Two Roscommon businesses were on EPA list over water discharges

Two Roscommon businesses in the food and drink sector were placed on an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforcement list for non-compliance with environmental regulations last year.

The Kepak plant in Athleague, and Aurivo Dairy Ingredients in Ballaghaderreen, were among thirteen premises listed by the EPA as 'National Priority Sites' in 2022, according to a statement from the agency this week.

It said Aurivo Dairy was on the list because of "discharges to water, and odour," while Kepak Athleague was on the list because of discharges to water.

Both of the Roscommon plants were added to the priority list between July and September last, and were removed from the list before the year's end.

"Our enforcement activities are risk-based and are, in particular, targeted at sites that are not complying with their licence requirements," said Dr Tom Ryan, Director of the EPA's Office of Environmental Enforcement.

“The thirteen sites on the National Priority Sites List in 2022 were the subject of targeted enforcement action.

"While this represents only 1.5 per cent of the total sites licensed by the EPA, it is disappointing that the Food and Drink sector continues to make up a significant proportion of these.

"A small number of sites is threatening the green sustainable image that sector endeavours to project," he said.

According to a summary of the EPA's enforcement activities last year, the Aurivo Dairy Ingredients plant in Ballaghaderreen was among twelve plants which were visited by the agency more than ten times during 2022.